Wagyu beef has become increasingly popular in recent years, prized for its rich, buttery flavor and tender texture. However, finding quality wagyu beef is not always easy, as it is still relatively rare compared to conventional beef. This guide will provide an overview of wagyu beef and recommendations on the best places to buy wagyu beef online.
What is Wagyu Beef?
Wagyu refers to four breeds of cattle originally from Japan – Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled. The term “wagyu” means “Japanese cow” in Japanese. Kobe beef is a particular variety of wagyu beef that comes from the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle raised in the Hyogo prefecture.
Wagyu and Kobe beef are highly prized for their intense marbling or thin veins of fat evenly distributed throughout the meat. This extensive marbling gives wagyu its renowned richness and moist, buttery texture. The meat literally melts in your mouth. In addition the fat in wagyu beef contains high levels of heart-healthy oleic acid.
Grading Wagyu Beef
There are a few grading systems used to designate quality levels of wagyu beef. Japanese wagyu is graded on a scale from A to C, with A being the highest quality. There is also a numerical score from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. The letter indicates yield and the number evaluates marbling, texture, and color. A5 is the highest possible grade.
Wagyu beef also utilizes another scale called Beef Marble Score (BMS). This rates marbling on a scale from 1 to 12, with 12 being the most extensive marbling.
For Australian wagyu, common grades are MB6, MB7, MB8, and MB9. The MB stands for marbling and the number indicates marbling scores, with 9 being the highest. U.S. wagyu is not graded by an official system, but many producers utilize BMS scores.
Where to Buy Wagyu Beef Online
Purchasing wagyu beef online from a reputable source is the best way to ensure you are getting authentic, high-quality meat. Here are some of the best retailers to buy wagyu beef online:
The Wagyu Shop
The Wagyu Shop offers A5 Japanese wagyu imported directly from Japan, including coveted Kobe beef. They have relationships with top Japanese farms and can provide rare varieties like Olive Wagyu and Drunken Wagyu. Their American wagyu selection includes standard cuts as well as harder to find cuts like tomahawk steaks and cowboy steaks. The Wagyu Shop also sells Australian wagyu.
Snake River Farms
As pioneers of American wagyu, Snake River Farms is one of the most well-known wagyu companies in the U.S. They were the first to bring fullblood wagyu genetics from Japan and crossbreed them with Black Angus cattle. Their wagyu is available in all the classic cuts like filet mignon, ribeye, and strip steak.
DeBragga
DeBragga provides wagyu beef to some of the best restaurants in the U.S. They carry Japanese, American, and Australian wagyu, including Japanese wagyu dry-aged for 30-45 days to intensify the flavor. Their website offers helpful guides on how to choose the right wagyu cuts.
Holy Grail Steak Company
Specializing in Japanese wagyu, Holy Grail Steak Company has exclusive relationships with farms in Japan. The website contains extensive information on the differences between various wagyu cows. They sell wagyu burgers along with rare Japanese cuts like sirloin flap meat and outside skirt steak.
Crowd Cow
Crowd Cow partners with small farms around the world to provide high-end beef like American and Japanese wagyu. Their wagyu beef selection is very reasonably priced. You can order one-time purchases or customize a subscription box.
How to Cook Wagyu Beef
Due to its exquisite marbling, wagyu beef cooks differently than conventional beef. The high fat content means wagyu does not need a long cooking time to become tender. Quick cooking over high heat is best to sear the exterior while keeping the inside rare to medium-rare. Do not cook wagyu beyond medium or it will become tough.
The easiest preparation methods are grilling or pan-searing. Cook wagyu steaks for just 2-3 minutes per side over very high heat. Using a meat thermometer, take them off heat when they reach 125°F for rare or 135°F for medium-rare. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
For pan-searing, use a heavy stainless steel or cast iron skillet. Make sure the pan and oil are very hot before adding the wagyu. Baste the meat with butter as it cooks.
Let that beautiful marbling do the work. Avoid complicated rubs and marinades that will overpower the flavor. Simple salt and pepper is best so the beef can be the star.
Due to its high cost, wagyu beef is best suited for special occasion meals when you really want to indulge. With proper cooking, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable, melt-in-your-mouth dining experience.
Wagyu beef is one of the most decadent and flavorful meats in the world. For an incredible steak experience, purchase wagyu beef online from trusted retailers like The Wagyu Shop, Snake River Farms, DeBragga, Holy Grail Steak Company, or Crowd Cow. Cook wagyu steaks quickly over high heat until medium-rare at most, then enjoy the rich, buttery flavor of this luxury beef. Savor those special meals when you can indulge in a perfect cut of wagyu beef.
Frequently Asked Wagyu Questions
Wagyu beef is renowned for its exceptional marbling, which translates to a rich flavor, thanks to its high content of monounsaturated fats and omega fatty acids. This leads to a lower melting point, ensuring unparalleled tenderness in every bite. Allen Brothers takes this luxuriousness to the next level, offering Wagyu steaks and burgers with a refined flavor elevating your culinary experiences to new heights. Indulge in the extraordinary with every bite of our distinguished Wagyu offerings, perfect for both first-time and seasoned buyers.
Bringing Wagyu Steak to Your Home
Explore this unmatched taste by buying Wagyu online! Let Allen Brothers guide your selection for the perfect cut, and elevate your dining experience. Whether youre looking for A5 Wagyu steak delivery or a sampler of premium cuts, indulge now and savor the unparalleled richness of Wagyu at your next meal.
Where to Buy Japanese Wagyu Beef in the USA
FAQ
Can you buy Wagyu beef in a supermarket?
All Waitrose wagyu beef is graded a minimum of 6 on the BMS – the highest of any supermarket. This is the optimum level to ensure our customers are getting the best quality wagyu at home for a fraction of the price served in restaurants.
Is Costco Wagyu beef real?
However, when it comes to their high-end beef, Costco isn’t playing games. Yes, their A5 Wagyu is the real deal, imported straight from Japan. Consumers should note that Japanese A5 Wagyu isn’t just a fancy label; rather, it’s a ranking system that represents the pinnacle of beef quality.
Can you buy Wagyu beef in the US?
Wagyu may translate literally to “Japanese Cow” but authentic, fullblood Wagyu does exist in America as well, thanks to cattle having been exported by Japan.
How much is 1 lb of Wagyu beef?
Wagyu: Price Per Pound
It can go high as $200 per pound, while you can get the rarest steak, which is the olive wagyu, between $120 and $300 per pound. An American Wagyu beef will cost at around $10-$15 per pound, depending on where you buy it from.